Edward Bellamy's Looking Backward: 2000–1887 is a landmark 1888 utopian science fiction novel that had a profound impact on social and economic thought . The story follows Julian West, a young Bostonian who, in 1887, falls into a deep, hypnotic sleep and awakens in the year 2000 . He discovers that the United States has been transformed into a peaceful and prosperous socialist utopia. The brutal class divisions, economic instability, and social injustices of the 19th century have been eradicated. A guide, Doctor Leete, explains the workings of this new society, where all industry is nationally owned, and citizens serve in an "Industrial Army" until retirement at age 45 . Bellamy's vision included concepts that were revolutionary for his time, such as equal distribution of goods, universal education, and what functioned like credit cards for all citizens . The novel's plot is minimal, serving primarily as a vehicle for Bellamy to articulate his ideas for social reform. He contrasts the perceived waste and cruelty of the competitive capitalist system with the efficiency and fairness of his imagined cooperative commonwealth . Upon its release, Looking Backward became a massive bestseller, inspired the formation of hundreds of "Bellamy Clubs" to promote its ideas, and sparked a vast literary debate with numerous sequels and responses . It remains a crucial text for understanding 19th-century social reform movements and the power of utopian literature.

Table of Contents:

• Looking Backward. Part 1

• Looking Backward. Part 2

• Looking Backward. Part 3

• Looking Backward. Part 4